Remote Access Options???

[4DSJW]

Hi All,

Let me start out by stating that I am a tech-tard and only know enough to get myself into trouble, LOL.

That said, I have been using LogMeIn to help out my aging FIL in another state when he gets into computer trouble. I have only had to help him out 2 or 3 times in the last year or so. The first time I used LMI it was the free trial, that ended and we decided to go with the $49.99 annual package because when we need remote access to the FIL's computer nothing else will work. Long phone calls were tried but were horribly unsuccessful, LOL.

The renewal for the package is now at $99.99 per year, double the cost. It is an incredibly useful tool but I'm balking at the cost. Are there any other Remote Access packages that are options and work well. FWIW we both have Macs but I also use a PC at work.

Thanks For Your Help!

[Barry]

Remote

These might help

http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=Free+remote+access#

http://www.teamviewer.com/en/download/windows.aspx

I use more techie solutions. But they are harder to configure.

Barry


BTW... I do use the free join.me

[Cyberion]

+1 I've used this before.

https://www.join.me/

Woops--just noticed logmein owns them now. Compare the pricing, might be different.


And this looks like pricing has changed and may work as a screen sharing app for 1 or 2 people at low/no cost. Worth checking.

http://www.gotomeeting.com/online/meeting/pricing

[4DSJW]

Thanks guys. I checked the join.me website and it looks like it might work... but, one description states that you need to start a conversation to turn over screen control, another states that any one person at a time in a conversation can control the screen. For now I will assume the best.

My question, will this allow me to make changes on the FIL's computer. The few times I have had to gain access to his computer I have had to update software or make changes to his settings. Is that possible with join.me?

Once he gets to the point that he asks for my help what really works best is for him to allow me to log in to his computer then take his hands off the mouse, sit back, and watch me get things sorted out. He is getting to the point, and he fully agrees, where it is best to minimize his involvement as he frets about every decision he has to make, even if I'm talking him through the fix.

Thanks!

[dwl]

+1 for team viewer

[Barry]

Join.me

The Presenter (of the desktop) opens up the session and receives a code#
The Viewer(s) use the Presenters Code# to join the session.
The Presenter can turn over control to a specific Viewer.
Viewer them controls Presenter PC.

Barry

[4DSJW]

Join.me seems to be the easiest in terms of my FIL not having to do a lot on his end... which is good. With join.me can you do any of the following while remotely controlling the Presenter's computer-

- restart/reboot and stay logged into their computer
- use control/alt/delete if they have a PC to get into that functionality
- use command/option/escape if they have a Mac to Force Quit an application if the dock won't show

Thank you for sharing your experience!

[username111]

You can run teamviewer without having to install. It makes it nice since it isn't always running and can't allow someone in when you don't want them.

Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk

[4DSJW]

username111,

Without a doubt teamviewer seems to be the more powerful option. But I have to keep in mind that at this point my FIL worries about things that are unfamiliar and also worries that he is going to do the wrong thing.

The up side of join.me is that he just hits an icon, clicks on the correct color button to make the request, then tells me the 9 digit code over the phone, bam I'm in and helping him.

The setup on teamviewer looks a bit counterintuative and there are two sets of numbers to deal with. This of course is no big deal to most people, but it is the kind of thing that makes him worry.

[d33pt]

I use teamviewer on my dad's laptop. I leave it running all the time so I can get in whenever needed. He is getting better though and I haven't had to use it for over a year. I should test it and see if it still works.

He doesn't have to do a thing once I have his teamviewer number. It never changes.

[Barry]

These will not work during a Join.me session.

- restart/reboot and stay logged into their computer
- use control/alt/delete if they have a PC to get into that functionality

Barry